Anti-HIV antibody-dependent activation of NK cells impairs NKp46 expression

Abstract

There is much interest in the potential of Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) to slow disease progression following HIV infection. Despite several studies demonstrating a positive association between ADCC and slower disease progression, it is possible that continued stimulation of NK cells by ADCC during chronic HIV infection could render these cells dysfunctional. Indeed, activation of NK cells by ADCC results in matrix metalloproteinase- induced reductions in CD16 expression and activation refractory periods. In addition, ex vivo analyses of NK cells from HIV-infected individuals revealed other alterations in phenotype, such as decreased expression of the activating NKp46 receptor t..